What does it mean to keep the engine running while parked?
2 Answers
Keeping the engine running while parked means stopping the car and leaving the engine in an idle state. Generally, this is only necessary when the engine is overheating, as it allows the coolant to continue circulating and dissipating heat. Another situation is when the battery is low on charge, requiring the engine to idle for a period to recharge. The idle performance of the engine has a significant impact on emissions, fuel consumption, and comfort, making it an important indicator for evaluating engine performance. During idle, the engine is disconnected from the transmission system, and the throttle pedal is fully released. The engine only overcomes its own resistance to operate without any external power output.
When stopping the car during driving, the main idea is to keep the engine running while the vehicle is stationary, such as at a red light or during a temporary stop without turning off the engine. I used to do this often, especially on hot days with the air conditioning on—once the engine was turned off while stationary, the temperature inside the car would rise rapidly, making it very uncomfortable. Or during traffic jams, the radio or navigation system needs to stay on, and keeping the engine running prevents the devices from shutting off. Actually, this relates to the auto start-stop system. Many modern cars automatically turn off the engine to save fuel, but I prefer manual control for a greater sense of freedom. Experts say that keeping the engine running during short stops can save fuel because restarting consumes more fuel. However, it’s important to avoid doing this for extended periods, as it wastes fuel and increases pollution. I recommend adjusting driving habits based on the vehicle’s manual and making more use of the start-stop feature to balance convenience and safety. Developing good habits can help reduce urban emissions, contributing to environmental protection in a small way.
